• “Old Fashioned” Stealing- thieves will typically steal wallets, purses, and mail, such as credit card and bank statements, pre-approved credit card offers, check orders and other financial mail.
• Change of Address- thieves will modify or redirect your billing statements to another address by completing a change of address form.
• Phishing- Thieves may send unsolicited emails pretending to be a financial institution or a company, asking you to click a link to update or confirm your personal or login information. The is then redirected to a fake website designed to look like a legitimate site.
• Skimming- Thieves may use a card skimming device to copy your debit cards magnetic strip to duplicate the card without the cardholder’s knowledge. They will place a skimming device over a card reader at a gas station, store, or ATM that looks like the real reader.
• Vishing/Smishing- Scammers will “spoof” a phone call, text, or voicemail message and will ask you for personal information. The calls or texts may seem like they are from legitimate businesses or even your bank- but they will ask for personal information such as social security number, passwords, online banking information, or other critical information.
• Lottery/Sweepstakes Scams- a consumer will receive an email, unsolicited phone call, or letter in the mail notifying them that they have won a prize and asking for payment to cover the cost of redeeming the prize when the prize does not exist.

• Add your phone number to the national Do Not Call Registry at donotcall.gov or by calling 1-888-382-1222.
• Each year you are entitled to one free credit report though annualcreditreport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228
• Request a copy of your Social Security Statements at ssa.gov/mystatement to be sure that no one else is using your social security number for employment.
• Do not give out your personal information such as, card numbers, account numbers, Social Security Number or Tax ID numbers, passwords, online banking login, or PIN numbers.
• Do not click on email links from unexpected emails.
• Properly dispose of mail that may contain personal information or credit offers.

Utilize the “Manage Cards” feature in the Community First Bank’s online banking or mobile app to turn your debit or ATM card off. This will freeze your card for any future debit card (Point of Sale and ATM) transaction in the event that your card has been stolen.

Reach out to your local Community First Bank branch to file a dispute  on your account if you notice fraudulent transactions.